Fastener

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for fastening a flexible material to a support such as a stationary frame or a rope means including male and female members whereby flexible material is positioned therebetween and the male member and flexible material are inserted into locked engagement with the female member.

United States Patent 11 1 Evett Feb. 19, 1974 [54] FASTENER 1,202,475 10/1916 Brent 135/15 CF 2,640,238 6/1953 Schuhr 24/113 R [75] Inventor- Lee Eve, Hmlslon, 3,384,938 5/1968 OConnor 24/243 K 73 Assigneez Griffdyn Company Inc Houston, 3,426,412 2/1969 Streng et al. 24/243 K Tex. Primary ExaminerD0nald A. Griffin [22] Flled 1972 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Pravel, Wilson & Matthews [21] Appl. N0.: 237,096

[57] ABSTRACT [52] 0.8. Cl. 24/243 K 51 Int. Cl A44b 21/00 Apparatus fastemng a flexlble [58] Field of Search. 24043 K 243 M, 243 N, 245 port such'as a stationary frame or a rope means 1n- 24/725, 113 R, 73 P P 135/15 CF Cllldll'lg male and female members whereby flexible 7 material is positioned therebetween and the male [56.] References Cited member and flexible material are inserted into locked UNITED STATES PATENTS engagement with the female member.

1,047,782 12/1912 German 24/214 X 11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures mt /i PAIENTED FEB l 9l974 FASTENER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, a fastener F is provided for The field of this invention is apparatus for fastening 5 fastening a flexible material M to a rigid support such a flexible material.

Reinforced flexible plastic materials are being increasingly used for construction enclosures, moisture barriers, pallet and shipping covers and generally for outdoor warehousing as-well as other fields where materials or personnel need protection from the elements. Although the plastic materials are very rugged and provide very good protection, they must be effectively secured or fastened to available supports to maintain them in a protective position.

Fasteners such as grommets, which are permanently attached to the material, have frequently been used to provide points at which the material can be fastened to a support. However, such permanently placed fasteners limit the use of a particular piece of flexible material since the material must be used to protect or cover an object of such size that the fasteners can be fastened to a support. For example, in order to cover goods supported on a pallet, the flexible material must of of such size that permanently mounted fasteners at the edges of the material can be fastened to the pallet, itself.

Thus it is more desirable to provide portable fasteners which can fasten the material to a support from any point on the material. One type of portable fastener has been disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,467,999, issued to Bjorksten, et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable fastener which can fasten any point on a flexible materialto a support such as a frame or a rope means in such a manner that stress or pull on the material tends to hold the material in the fastened or locked position. As a specific embodiment, and not by way of limitation, the present invention includes a female member mounted with a support such as a stationary frame or rope means, and a male member with the flexible material positoned therebetween. The male member includes a central body portion having fingers pivotally mounted thereon whereby the fingers and flexible material are insertable into a locked position in a recess in the female member. The flexible fingers are positioned in the recess such that a resistance in the form of a compression force on such fingers must be overcome to release the fingers and flexible material from the recess. Further, a pull or other force exterted on the flexible material tends to urge the male member and flexible material further into locking engagement with the female member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the fastener of the preferred embodiment of this invention prior to the fastening of the flexible material therewith;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 with the flexible material fastened with the fastener of this invention; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2 illustrating the fingers of the male member in lcoked engagement with the recess in the female member of the fastener of this invention.

as frame S1 or a flexible support such as the rope member S2. Of course, it is understood that the fastener F may be merely one of a plurality of such fasteners F which can be positioned at various desirable points about the sheet of flexible material M in order to secure the flexible material M to some type of support such as frame S1.

The fastener F of the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a female member 10 that is attached to the frame S1 by means of self-tapping screws 11 which are threadedly engaged in holes 10a in the female member M). The female member 10 has an annular recess 10b which is formed by tapered bottom wall 10c, annular side wall 10d and an inwardly extending annular lip portion 102.

A male member 12 is provided for insertion with the fabric M into the recess 10b in the female member 10 to lock the flexible material M and male member 12 with the female member 10. The male member 12 includes a central portion or stem 12a that has a plurality of fingers 12b pivotally mounted thereon and extending outwardly therefrom. The fingers 12b which are eight in number in the preferred embodiment of this invention, are pivotally mounted to the stem 12a by any suitable means. For example, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the fingers 12b are actually integral with the stem 12a and are pivotally mounted by cutting annular notches 12 in the area 12d where the fingers 12b are joined with the central portion 12a. By reducing the thickness of the fingers 12b at the point of connection, the fingers 12b are mounted for pivotal movement radially outwardly about the areas of connection 12d.

The flexible material M is connected or fastened with the male member 12 and female member 10 of the fastener F in the following manner. First, the female member 10 is mounted by means such as screws 1 1 with the frame S1. Then the flexible material M is positioned adjacent the female member 10 and the male member 12 is positioned in substantial alignment with the annular recess 10b in the female member 10, but with the flexible material M disposed therebetween. The flexible material M is not drawn taut or tight at this point, rather, the material M is positioned such that the material M is rather loose so that a portion 14 thereof can be inserted into the recess 1012. With the male member 12 aligned with the annular recess 10b, the pivotally mounted fingers 12b extend outwardly to the approximate diameter of the annular lip 10e.

The male member 12 is then pushed inwardly in the direction of arrow 16 toward the flexible material M and the annular recess 10b in the female member 10. As the male member 12 is pushed inwardly, the ends 12e of the fingers 12b engage surface 14a of the flexible material M in the region of the annular lip 10s of the recess 10b (FIG. 1). Further inward pushing of the male member 12 eventually brings the flexible material M and the ends 122 of the fingers 12b into substantial engagement with the tapered bottom 10c of the recess 10b. Thereafter, as the stern 12a of the male member 12 is pushed inwardly into the recess 10b, the flexible material M remains in engagement with the bottom wall 100 and the pivotally mounted fingers 12b are spread radially outwardly along the inside surface 14a of the portion 14 of the flexible material M. The ends l2e of the pivotal fingers 12b are rounded such that the fingers may be spread outwardly by sliding along the surface 14a of the flexible material portion 14.

Eventually, the fingers 12b reach the position shown in imaginary or dotted lines in FIG. 2 In this position of the fingers 12b, the fingers 12b extend radially outwardly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the stem 12a such that the distance between the ends l2e of two oppositely positioned fingers, which may be defined as the maximum effective diameter of the radially spread fingers 12b, is greatest. This maximum effective diameter of the fingers 12b is greater than the inside diameter of the annular side wall 10d of the recess 10b. Therefore, with the fingers in the position illustrated in imaginary lines in FIG. 2, a force of compression is exerted on the fingers between the central stem 12a and the annular side wall 10d of the recess 10b. This compressive force on the fingers must be overcome before the stem 12a of the male member 12 can be pushed further into the recess 10b.

After this compressive force of resistance exerted against the fingers 12b in the position of maximum effective diameter has been overcome by the exertion of sufficient force inwardly against the male member 12, the stem 12a and the portion 14 of the flexible material M are moved into a locked position against tapered wall 100. In the locked position, the fingers 12b are pivoted against portion 10ee of the annular lip 10e. In'the locked position, the fingers 12b are held in slight compression in comparison to the compression exerted against the fingers 12b in the position of maximum effective diameter.

Thus, with the male member 12 in the position of FIG. 2, the pivotally mounted fingers 12b have been moved or pivoted beyond the plane of maximum diameter and the male member 12 is locked in such a position. The unique position of the fingers 12b in FIG. 2, where the fingers are positioned between the portion 10ee of the annular lip le and the bottom c, is extremely advantageous for holding the flexible material portion 14 and the male member 12 in the recess 10b in the female member 10 even though the flexible material M is pushed, pulled or subject to other outside forces. For any pulling or pushing on the flexible material M tends to cause portions 14b of the material 14 in the recess 10b to engage the end l2e of the fingers and urge the fingers toward the bottom 10c of the recess thereby maintaining the male member 12 and flexible material portion 14 in the recess 10b.

Further, the male member 12 is effectively maintained in the recess 10b in the female member 10 in spite of the exertion of forces which urge the male and female members apart. For example, if a force is exerted upon the male member 12 in the direction of arrow 17, the force must be sufficient to overcome the resistance of the force of compression exerted on the fingers 12b at the position of maximum diameter (and thus, maximum compression). In this manner, the portion 14 of the flexible material M is extremely secure in the fastener F.

It is contemplated that the fastener F of this invention be fastened and unfastened at will. An annular groove 12f in the central portion 12a of the male member may be utilized with any suitable gripping tool to pull the male member 12 in the direction of arrow 17 with such force that the compressive force of resistance of the fingers in the position of maximum effective diameter is overcome. Another means of releasing the male member 12 from the recess 10b in the female member 10 is to provide a hole 18 in the female member 10 such that a rod or similar instrument (not shown) may be inserted into the hole 18 to push the flexible material portion 14 and male member 12 out of the recess 10b.

As mentioned previously, the support to which the flexible material M is fastened may be rigid support such as S1 or a flexible support such as a rope means S2. The rope means S2 is secured to the female member 10 by extending the rope through holes 15a in ears 15 which are integral with the female member 10. It is understood to be within the scope of this invention to attach the male member 12 to such a support rather than attaching the female member; or, as another alternative, both the female member 10 and the male member 12 may be attached to supports with the flexible material M secured in the recess 10b in the female member 10 between such supports.

7 In summary, a plurality of flexible fasteners F may be used in combination with a sheet of flexible material M to provide protection or cover for any sort of material or to provide a protective enclosure. The fasteners F of this invention may be fastened with the flexible material M at any point on the flexible material M and, after the recess 10b in the female member 10 has received and locked the flexible material M and the male member 12 therein, the male and female members of the fastener F continue to be urged into tighter engagement by the exerting of outside forces on the flexible material M.

It is contemplated that any variety of materials may be used to provide the fasteners F of this invention. For example, it has been found that polyethelene bar may be used to provide such fasteners. It is to be further understood that the number of fingers 12b may be varied, depending upon the use. Further, the size and shape of the recess 10b may also be varied, the only requirement being that the fingers 12b be pivotal to a locked position in the recess 10b.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising:

a female member;

a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members;

said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and

said recess includes spreading means for spreading said fingers radially outwardly from said central body portion into a locked position in said recess as said fingers and flexible material are inserted into said recess.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said male member includes a central body portion having said fingers extending therefrom.

3. The structure set forth in claim 2, wherein:

said annular recess includes a bottom wall, an annular side wall, and an annular lip portion extending inwardly from said annular side wall; and

said fingers are positioned against said annular lip with said central body portion substantially against said bottom recess wall to lock said fingers and flexible material in said annular recess.

4. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

releasing means for releasing said male member and fabric from said locked position in said male member.

5. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said recess includes maintaining means for maintaining said fingers and the flexible material in a locked position in said recess.

6.The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

said fastening apparatus is one of a plurality of such apparatus which provide a system for fastening such flexible material.

7. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

said female member being attached to a support whereby said male member and flexible material are fastened with said support.

8. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising:

a female member;

a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members;

said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and

said fingers are positioned in said recess in said locked position such that stress on the material exerts a force on said fingers that tends to maintain said fingers and the flexible material locked in said recess.

9. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising:

a femalemember; a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally 4 mounted thereon, saidvmale member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members;

said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and

said recess includes a tapered bottom wall which causes said fingers to spread outwardly as said male member is pushed into said recess.

10. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising:

a female member;

a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members;

said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member;

said male member includes a central body portion from which said fingers are pivotally mounted; and

said annular recess has a diameter which is less than the maximum effective diameter of said fingers on said central body portion such that said fingers are compressed between said central body portion and the walls of said recess with said fingers positioned at maximum diameter, said body portion one end passing over center in toggle fashion to releasably lock said male member within said recess.

11. The structure set forth in claim 10, wherein:

said pivotally mounted fingers are pivoted beyond a maximum diameter position when said male member is locked in said recess in said female member whereby the compression force exerted on said fingers with said fingers at a position of maximum diameter must be overcome in order to release said fingers from a locked position in said recess. 

1. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising: a female member; a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members; said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and said recess includes spreading means for spreading said fingers radially outwardly from said central body portion into a locked position in said recess as said fingers and flexible material are inserted into said recess.
 2. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein: said male member includes a central body portion having said fingers extending therefrom.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 2, wherein: said annular recess includes a bottom wall, an annular side wall, and an annular lip portion extending inwardly from said annular side wall; and said fingers are positioned against said annular lip with said central body portion substantially against said bottom recess wall to lock said fingers and flexible material in said annular recess.
 4. The structure set forth in claim 1, including: releasing means for releasing said male member and fabric from said locked position in said male member.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein: said recess includes maintaining means for maintaining said fingers and the flexible material in a locked position in said recess.
 6. The structure set forth in claim 1, including: said fastening apparatus is one of a plurality of such apparatus which provide a system for fastening such flexible material.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 1, including: said female member being attached to a support whereby said male member and flexible material are fastened with said support.
 8. Apparatus for fastening a fleXible material, comprising: a female member; a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members; said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and said fingers are positioned in said recess in said locked position such that stress on the material exerts a force on said fingers that tends to maintain said fingers and the flexible material locked in said recess.
 9. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising: a female member; a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members; said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; and said recess includes a tapered bottom wall which causes said fingers to spread outwardly as said male member is pushed into said recess.
 10. Apparatus for fastening a flexible material, comprising: a female member; a male member having a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted thereon, said male member and the flexible material being positioned such that the flexible material is disposed between said male and female members; said female member having an annular recess for receiving said fingers of said male member with said flexible material positioned therebetween and means for pivoting said flexible fingers to a locked position in said recess whereby said male member and said flexible material are fastened to said female member; said male member includes a central body portion from which said fingers are pivotally mounted; and said annular recess has a diameter which is less than the maximum effective diameter of said fingers on said central body portion such that said fingers are compressed between said central body portion and the walls of said recess with said fingers positioned at maximum diameter, said body portion one end passing over center in toggle fashion to releasably lock said male member within said recess.
 11. The structure set forth in claim 10, wherein: said pivotally mounted fingers are pivoted beyond a maximum diameter position when said male member is locked in said recess in said female member whereby the compression force exerted on said fingers with said fingers at a position of maximum diameter must be overcome in order to release said fingers from a locked position in said recess. 